Nokea
The maternity nurse understands that vascular volume increases 40% to 45% during pregnancy to:
- A. compensate for decreased renal plasma flow.
- B. provide adequate perfusion of the placenta.
- C. eliminate metabolic wastes of the mother.
- D. prevent maternal and fetal dehydration.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary function of increased vascular volume is to transport oxygen and nutrients to the fetus via the placenta.
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Physiologic anemia often occurs during pregnancy as a result of:
- A. inadequate intake of iron
- B. dilution of hemoglobin concentration
- C. the fetus establishing iron stores
- D. decreased production of erythrocytes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Physiologic anemia results from plasma volume expansion outpacing red blood cell production, diluting hemoglobin concentration.
Which time-based description of a stage of development in pregnancy is accurate?
- A. Viability—22 to 37 weeks since the last menstrual period (LMP) (assuming a fetal weight >500 g)
- B. Full Term—Pregnancy from the beginning of week 39 of gestation to the end of week 40
- C. Preterm—Pregnancy from 20 to 28 weeks
- D. Postdate—Pregnancy that extends beyond 38 weeks
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Full term is defined as pregnancy from the beginning of week 39 to the end of week 40. Viability occurs at 22-24 weeks, preterm is before 37 weeks, and postdate is beyond 42 weeks.
A woman is in her seventh month of pregnancy. She has been reporting nasal congestion and occasional epistaxis. The nurse suspects that:
- A. this is a normal respiratory change in pregnancy caused by elevated levels of estrogen.
- B. this is an abnormal cardiovascular change, and the nosebleeds are an ominous sign.
- C. the woman is a victim of domestic violence and is being hit in the face by her partner.
- D. the woman has been using cocaine intranasally.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevated levels of estrogen cause capillaries to become engorged in the respiratory tract. This may result in edema in the nose, larynx, trachea, and bronchi. This congestion may cause nasal stuffiness and epistaxis.
A patient at 24 weeks of gestation contacts the nurse at her obstetric provider's office to complain that she has cravings for dirt and gravel. The nurse is aware that this condition is known as and may indicate anemia.
- A. ptyalism
- B. pyrosis
- C. pica
- D. decreased peristalsis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pica (a desire to eat nonfood substances) is an indication of iron deficiency and should be evaluated.
The nurse is teaching a pregnant patient about signs of possible pregnancy complications. Which should the nurse include in the teaching plan? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Report watery vaginal discharge
- B. Report puffiness of the face or around the eyes.
- C. Report any bloody show when you go into labor.
- D. Report visual disturbances, such as spots before the eyes.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Report watery vaginal discharge. This is important as it could indicate premature rupture of membranes, which can lead to infection or preterm labor. Puffiness of the face or around the eyes (B) could be a sign of preeclampsia, not just a pregnancy complication. Bloody show during labor (C) is a normal sign of labor progression. Visual disturbances like spots (D) are more commonly associated with conditions like preeclampsia rather than general pregnancy complications.